Last month, the UFC officially stripped Sean Sherk [32-2-1] of his lightweight title after the Minnesota native lost his steroid appeal with the California State Athletic Commission, following a victory over Hermes Franca last July. Therefore, the main event between BJ Penn and Joe Stevenson at UFC 80 “Rapid Fire” in Newcastle, England will now be for the vacant lightweight title. While this marks Stevenson’s first shot at UFC gold, Penn will be making his third bid at claiming the 155-pound strap – previously losing to Jens Pulver and battling to a draw against Caol Uno.